Browns Lose Receiver to Bills in Free Agency

The Cleveland Browns have had an interesting week at receiver, notably revolving around free agent Elijah Moore.

On Monday, the Browns signed receiver Diontae Johnson to a one-year deal, suggesting that Moore’s chances of returning in 2025 were slim. With Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman presumably locked into starting roles, Johnson could very well take that third starting spot in the slot.

Then, Cleveland pivoted, placing the UFA tender on Moore, an indication that the front office either wanted him back or wanted a late-round compensation pick for his services.

The Browns will get neither, losing the receiver to an AFC contender on Wednesday.

Ian Rapoport reported that Moore signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills with a maximum value of $5 million.

Cleveland's tender on Moore gave the team the opportunity to benefit from the compensatory formula, despite the deadline for 2025 free agents impacting the formula passing on Monday.

However, according to Over the Cap, Moore didn’t move the Browns into a new pick, nor will the Bills lose anything from the signing.

If Moore hadn’t signed by July 22, Cleveland would have retained sole negotiating rights with the receiver, essentially locking him into a $3.43 million deal. Instead, Moore gets a raise and the Browns’ tender is nullified. It was an attempt to steal a Day 3 pick for a receiver. They clearly didn’t prioritize Moore this offseason, and given that it didn’t cost them anything, the tender was a shrewd yet fruitless maneuver.

In Buffalo, more gets a fresh start on a high-powered offense and a chance at contention. A Josh Allen-led Bills team will almost certainly be the best team of his five-year career, giving instant credibility to his championship aspirations. He figures to play a minor role in a passing offense stocked with several competent options.

It also gives him three revenge games on his 2025 ledger, facing the New York Jets twice and visiting Cleveland at some point in the regular season.

“​​Back in that red and blue,” Moore tweeted. “Time to go be GREAT. Grateful for the opportunity! Can't wait to meet BILLS MAFIA.”